The Marana Police Department knows the enormous size of the 2009
World Golf Championships Accenture Match Play Championships.

After all, MPD has handled security for the 2007 and 2008
tourneys.

For the first two years, “we were still putting things
together,” said Marana Police Sgt. Tim Brunenkant.

“But we’ve got two years under our belt, and we are very
well-prepared.”

The behemoth weeklong match at the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain is
expected draw an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 spectators who’ll watch
the world’s top 64 players. Marana is in charge of security for the
event, and it is dedicating dozens of officers and local volunteers
to the tournament.

On top of the event’s sheer size, the town is grappling to
secure the new Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, Brunenkant
said.

He said that, while the course’s specialized layout is a “curve
ball” to security, Marana is experienced enough to provide
outstanding service on what he calls “a more user-friendly,
viewable, walk-able course.”

From Feb. 23 to March 1, about 30 Marana police officers will be
buzzing around the premises, doing everything from watching cars to
keeping spectators in their designated spaces.

The officers are working with numerous parking volunteers who
will shuttle the spectators to and from a massive parking lot
one-half mile east of Interstate 10 off of Tangerine Road, and man
the other VIP and special event lots, Brunenkant said.

In addition, the police will make sure distracting cell phones
are not on the premises, along with firearms and alcohol.

The Marana Police Department is enlisting the help of the FBI,
which will act as special security for the tournament’s players.
The police department is also working with Ritz-Carlton and
tournament security, and the nearby town of Oro Valley, to blanket
the event in as much security as possible “without taking officers
or forces away from the people of Marana,” Sgt. Brunenkant
said.

“We are excited for the opportunity to provide security and I
know it will be a successful event.”